[This article was originally published on November 2, 2002]
Why Vote?
I’ve been puzzling over that question for a few days so I decided to enlist the help of my family and friends in getting an answer. I asked the same two questions of each person, “Do you vote?” and “Why?” The answers didn’t vary greatly, but the reasons why did.
One of my co-workers said that he votes because it is the best way to express his political beliefs. He decides whether or not he supports someone, then votes accordingly. In his words, “If I don’t like a guy, I vote the bum out!” He makes it sound like he is the only one voting in the election. My impression is that he believes his vote really makes a difference. Almost to the point of believing that his vote is the only one that does make a difference! He is a man of great faith in more ways than I can list.
My minister initially said that he votes because it makes him feel patriotic and because it is the responsibility of every good citizen to vote. He admits, though, that the real reason is because his grandmother worked the polls for many years, and he feels he has a duty to her memory to vote in every election. She worked every Election Day, even late into her life. This was her way of teaching her entire family the importance of voting; not just by telling them, but by showing them.
My mother votes regularly as well. She draws a parallel between voting and singing in the church choir. “My voice alone may not be heard by anyone, but by blending with the other voices in the choir, I know I add strength to the sound and make a difference.” Her sister sees voting as a privilege, one that many people do not have. She goes to the polls with a thankful heart, fully cognizant of the suffragettes who had to fight for the privilege of voting.
I was very interested to learn that the word “suffrage” has an alternate meaning, “A short intercessory prayer.”
The more I understand people’s reasons for voting the more I realize that the act of voting and the act of praying are very closely related. There are, of course, differences between voting and praying. Most obviously, we don’t send our votes to an all-powerful, all-knowing benevolent Creator. (Though I’m sure there are those who have exactly that view of our government.) Also, we usually get the results of our voting in a very short time. Praying doesn’t always provide feedback so quickly.
In each case, though, the participant must have a great deal of faith. Faith in themselves to make an informed decision. Faith in their fellow man to do the same. Faith in the poll workers to do their job correctly. Faith in the board of elections to count every vote and tabulate them correctly. Faith in the chosen candidates to perform their duties honorably and uphold their oath of office. And especially, faith that our great nation will continue to be great.
Likewise, when we pray, we have faith that we are praying for something worthwhile. We have faith that God will hear our prayers. We have faith that God will answer our prayers. We have faith that God will do what is right for us regardless of what we were praying for in the first place.
Whether you vote because you feel patriotic, or you feel duty-bound, or because you are thankful for the privilege, or even just because your grandma would want you to, doesn’t really matter. If you want a certain candidate elected, or a particular issue passed, don’t just pray for it to happen. Do what you can to make it happen.
Have faith, go vote.
